Turning to Olive Oil: From the Classroom to the Olive Grove

Details: Written by Lisa Radinovsky; Category: News; Published: 18 November 2018

Tasos Anestis teaching students outdoors

Two teachers from Greek olive oil producing families decided to turn their interest in the sustainable production of olives and olive oil into new business ventures. Growing olives in two areas in the eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, they have found different ways to combine olive oil production with their dedication to teaching.

Dr. Tasos Anestis taught marine biology for twelve years in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at a large private school in Athens. During that time, he continued to return to his family’s olive groves as “part of the harvesting team almost every season.” He knew “the effort is immense,” and the resulting extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) “really high quality.” Yet that effort and quality were not being recognized or rewarded by selling the family’s extra virgin olive oil in bulk, as so many Greek producers do, and his family did for generations.

So Anestis turned back to the land to focus on making “our orchard a balanced ecosystem” free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and on bottling their own brand of organic EVOO, Rhizoma. As Anestis says, his team’s way of life is summarized in their motto: "tradition meets science." Anestis explains that “studying biology helped me a lot to respond in a more sustainable way to the needs of our farm.”

After a few transitional years to establish his olive oil business, Anestis stopped teaching in a classroom to focus on his olives, “but I have transported my class out into the olive orchard for people interested in the production of high quality organic olive oil.” Visitors can arrange a free “visit to our orchard and get to know all the different details of real production of EVOO” in Kranidi, Argolidos, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the eastern Peloponnese.

Moreover, Anestis reports, now “I am honored to be invited by groups of farmers all over Greece to share our knowledge and empirical data on our approach to cultivating, promoting, and selling our product. These attributes have made Rhizoma a well known brand of real EVOO.”

Anestis strongly believes “that Greece is capable of becoming the boutique market for organic products in Europe” by focusing on “more sustainable production” and high quality products. Although “we do not have the volume and the space to become Spain, nor the brand name ‘made in Italy’ to be in all markets, Greece has a unique opportunity to start being a serious producer country again,” after being “mainly a consumer country in recent years. Relying to a great extend on the uniqueness of our land and the added value of our products, we are very optimistic.”

Ioannis Kampouris writing

Another optimistic teacher turned olive oil producer, Ioannis Kampouris, has been interested in Greek philology “since my school years in Constantinople.” At the same time, he tells Greek Liquid Gold, “my concern with nature and the cultivation of olive oil has been in my life since my childhood on the island of Imvros, where a family tradition of olive growing” dates back to 1858. In Imvros, he grew up in the midst of olive groves and orchards, helped with the olive harvest, and savored the fresh olive oil.

After studying literature in Athens, Kampouris taught ancient Greek and Latin, establishing a series of private language tutoring schools in Athens called Synchrono and publishing books about the Latin language. After 37 years instructing thousands of students, he still teaches, “because the love for children and the encouragement of young entrepreneurship are linked to my character.”

However, “memories of my hometown, my teenage experiences working in the olive groves, and a love for Mother Nature” also led him back to olive oil production. So he planted olive trees near ancient Mycenae in northeastern Peloponnese. Initially, he made olive oil just for friends and family, like most Greeks. Then in 2013, in the midst of the Greek version of the Great Depression, he and his wife, philologist Olga Bountala, joined close friends to start a company, E-la-won, that would share the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and promote Greek products throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Kampouris has managed to successfully combine his two passions, continuing to teach while maintaining a hands-on approach to every stage of the olive oil production process. In addition to an environmental award for supporting the circular economy and sustainable development, E-la-won has received 47 prizes for the flavor and packaging of the company’s olive oil. “We are also proud because our olive oil,” due to its especially high polyphenol content, which provides exceptional health benefits, “is used in scientific research on multiple sclerosis.”

Now Kampouris shares with students his knowledge about olive oil and business, as well as his expertise in ancient languages. “I am delighted to be part of the olive oil industry, because with our educational background and experience we transfer knowledge and culture to schools and young people, and we advise them on the quality and safety of food. The example of our company is spreading through training sessions and tastings that we hold in schools. The activity of our company has been studied both by the Athens University of Economics and Business and by the University of Western Attica.”

Expanding their focus beyond the classroom to the olive grove and mill, Anestis and Kampouris also found new ways to share their knowledge about Greek olive oil and healthy foods with more students, as well as others of varying ages and backgrounds.
_______________

This is the third in a series of articles about Greek professionals from various fields who have changed or added to their careers, diverting some or all of their energy to the olive oil world. The first in the series is Turning to Olive Oil: Why Greek Professionals Shift Gears; the second is Turning to Olive Oil: Two Women Head Back to Cretan Groves. Thanks to Tasos Anestis (top) and Ioannis Kampouris (center, introduction) for the photos used with this article.

Comments

Links to Recent News Articles

Revised estimations and minor adjustments for global olive oil production in 2024/25 by 4E
Projections for the coming crop year's worldwide olive oil production from Olivenews.
Olive Trees on Corfu Face Threat from Wood-Eating Insects, Experts Rule Out Xylella
"A lab in Athens ruled out Xylella fastidiosa as the cause of the dieback in central and northern Corfu groves."
Olive oil under threat of EU ban
It is expected that "an upcoming European regulation will force olive oil producers to change their production methods or see their product labeled as unfit for consumption."
Farmers in Greece Witness the Impacts of Climate Change After Historically Low Harvest
"Farmers and millers throughout Greece have reported that climate change is making it increasingly difficult to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil."
Olive oil companies join forces to export
"Investment fund SMERemediumCap of Nikolaos Karamouzis and Inspiring Earth of Konstantinos Antonopoulos are creating an export-minded giant in the Greek olive oil sector via a triple acquisition, with the total investment amounting to 10 million euros. By forming a joint company, which will acquire the majority package of the companies Latzimas SA, Sitia Oils-Lasitia SA and Olympian Green International SA, a new, powerful group in olive oil products is being created."
Promising Outlook for Olive Oil Production in 2024/25
"A global production of 3,200,000 tons restores the normal averages of the past, which will push market prices lower than today's levels."
Breaking away from selling olive oil in bulk
Greek olive oil producers interviewed for a major Greek daily newspaper explain how it's possible that "the Italians export 150% of the olive oil they produce" and discuss their efforts to bottle more Greek olive oil, rather than exporting it in bulk.
World market of olive oil and table olives – Data from April 2024
The International Olive Council's "overview of the latest sector statistics, including an update on olive oil prices, trends in international trade in olive oil and table olives, and producer prices for olive oil."
Greek Court Rules Kalamon Olives May Use Kalamata Brand
After years of debate over use of the word "Kalamata" for Kalamon variety table olives, the Greek supreme court "rejected an appeal by Messenia-based growers that only they could use the Kalamata branding, an appellation worth €200 million in exports."
Global Production May Exceed Expectations, but Not Enough to Move Prices
"Analysts predict climate change will result in new price dynamics, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and other market segments behaving differently."
A Dismal Harvest Concludes in Greece
"With the country’s olive oil production almost halved compared to last year, record prices at origin have shaped a market searching for equilibrium."
Oil crisis: How olive farmers are adapting to climate change to preserve a cultural commodity
"Changing weather patterns are making it harder to grow olives across Europe, increasing consumer prices and threatening growers’ livelihoods." Farmers, researchers, and government officials are considering what to do about this.
Greece to Provide Work Permits to 30,000 Migrants to Curb Labor Shortage
Costas Vasilopoulos describes the Greek government's plan to reduce the shortage of agricultural laborers in the country.
Milestone in Olive Oil History: Auctioning “extrissimo” at €10.11/kg
One olive oil price record after another was broken in 2023; here is one from near the end of the year.
Farmers in Greece Call for Subsidies Amid Low Yields
"In Greece, olive growers and oil producers gathered outside regional government buildings nationwide, seeking financial aid to cope with this year’s extremely poor olive harvest."
“Along with Athena, you have to move your hand” (God helps them, that help themselves) was the message from 4E on World Olive Day
With this year's World Olive Day dedicated to the role of women, the 4E society awarded several Greek women for their special contributions to olive growing, and then discussed culture, environmental protection, olive oil quality, the health-nutritional value of olive oil and table olives, and whether olive oil is a luxury.
Production Soaring Expenses Strain Producers in Southern Europe
"Olive oil producers in Spain, Italy and Greece are grappling with challenges that threaten the viability of the sector."
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
"Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations."
As price of olive oil soars, chainsaw-wielding thieves target Mediterranean’s century-old trees
More bad news about thefts in Greece: branches and even entire trees are being stolen, as well as olives.
Global Olive Oil Production Set for Second Straight Year of Decline
"The world’s seven largest olive oil-producing countries are expected to yield 1.97 million tons in the 2023/24 crop year, 23 percent below the average of the previous four campaigns."
High-Priced Olive Oil Fuels Thefts in Greece, Farmers Respond
Concerns about olive oil production, consumption, prices, and theft continues in Greece.
Cretan farmers combat rising olive theft with GPS technology
With olive oil's price higher than ever before, theft of oil and olives is a concern; this technology may help combat the problem.
Pricing Milestone: Fresh Greek Olive Oil Sells at 9.25€/kg
Some of the earliest harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil has sold for an astonishing price.
‘They don’t go for jewellery any more’: Olive oil theft on the rise in Greece
With olive oil prices 200% higher than last year in Greece due to climate-change induced shortages, theft of olive oil is increasing.
Tons of Olive Oil Stolen in Greece as Price of ‘Liquid Gold’ Skyrockets
Dozens of tons of olive oil were stolen from an olive oil farming cooperative's warehouse in Polygyros, Halkidiki; it is valued at over 370,000 euros.
Olive oil producers call for investigation into produce heist
"Twenty five olive oil producers who stored their production in an agricultural cooperative in Polygyros, northern Greece, from where it recently disappeared have filed criminal charges against unknown persons with the security police asking authorities to investigate how this happened and who is behind it."
Storms in Greece Flood Olive Groves, Damage Trees
As Costas Vasilopoulos writes, some olive trees were damaged by the rain and hailstorms in Greece that devastated the central part of the country with unprecedented flooding.
Unprecedented Heat Sparks More Wildfires Across Greece
As Costas Vasilopoulos writes, "Around 4,500 hectares of olive groves have been burned in wildfires across the country. The government promises aid, but farmers want something else."
In Greece, Olive Oil Remains Absent from Restaurant and Tavern Tables
Olive Oil Times recently expanded on an earlier Greek Liquid Gold article about olive oil on restaurant tables in Greece.
The global price of olive oil hit a 26-year high: Drought in Spain and elsewhere in the Mediterranean is stressing supply
"Heat and drought in the Mediterranean are harming production of olive oil, causing its price to spike," although "Greece is expected to boost its olive oil yield as the center of olive production moves eastward, thanks to rains and relatively mild temperatures."
Climate Change Threatens Chalkidiki Table Olive Producers, Research Indicates
Recent research in Greece shows that the expected effects of climate change should concern olive producers in the northeastern area of Chalkidiki.
Greece’s New CAP Plan Approved By European Commission
According to Costas Vasilopoulos, "the European Commission has approved Greece’s national strategic plan, which aligns with the latest revision of the E.U.’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)."
Olive Oil Production Gives Back to Environment More than it Takes
The latest research indicates that the carbon sink effect from olive trees in the biomass and soil is much higher than greenhouse gas emissions from production. (July 8, 2016)
Europe Rolls Out New Rules Governing Olive Oil Quality
Important news for olive oil bottlers about new European regulations.
Greek Prime Minister Pledges to Restore Amfissa Olive Grove
As the article says, "Konstantinos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister, has pledged to restore the Amfissa olive grove, one of several agricultural territories of the country that suffered extensive damages from wildfires in the summer."
Bulk Exports from Greece Help Fuel the Italian Olive Oil Industry
A consideration of the role Greek olive oil plays in the Italian olive oil sector.
The Bid to Boost Olive Oil Quality on Crete
This article includes a very interesting video with scenes from an olive oil tasting lab, olive groves at harvest time, and a modern olive mill, as well as comments from several Cretans who work with olive oil. (Click on the CC button for English captions if you don't understand the Greek.)
Greek olive oil going Italian
"Local producers prefer to export their product in bulk to Italy without standardizing it."
Thousands of Olive Trees Donated to Restore Groves of Ancient Olympia
"More than 130,000 olive saplings have been donated to farmers in the area surrounding Ancient Olympia in the northwest Peloponnese, replacing some of the hundreds of thousands that burned in last summer’s devastating wildfires."
Flames Engulf the Ancient Olive Grove of Amfissa
"According to initial estimates, 30,000 to 40,000 trees were destroyed in fires that swept through some of the oldest olive groves in Greece."
Hellenic Center of Excellence for Health and Wellness Launches on Crete
"The Hellenic Center of Excellence for Health and Wellness, a non-profit initiative aimed at promoting Greek culture with a focus on the plant-based Mediterranean Diet, one of the world’s healthiest eating plans, was launched" on Crete in May.
Greece Registers Four PDO and PGI Olive Oils as Intellectual Property
"The Greek extra virgin olive oils were registered with an international organization that protects the product from imitation and counterfeiters in 56 countries."
Campaign Aims to Replant Olive Trees of Olympia
An international nonprofit group is leading a fundraising campaign that aims to help replant olive trees after major fires destroyed olive groves in Ancient Olympia last summer. To find out how you can help, see https://olympia-trees.com/.
Greeks Are Consuming Less Extra Virgin Olive Oil
"Greeks are among the top per capita consumers of olive oil in the world but have cut back on the highest grade." Based on an article about a 2020 survey in Greece, this report discusses various opinions, practices, and levels of knowledge about olive oil.
Producers on Crete Look to DNA Analysis to Add Value
"Local producers have joined forces with scientists In Chania, Crete, to identify, analyze and transfer the DNA identity of olive oil from the field to the bottle, achieving authenticity and traceability for their local products."
Producers in Greece Generate Electricity with Olive Mill Wastewater
"Producers can save money and be more sustainable by shipping olive mill wastewater to local biogas production plants." This article discusses the current advantages and limitations of this plan in Greece.
'Elaiolado Makris' Gets PDO Status
New PDO and PGI designations from the European Union recognize this unique extra virgin olive oil's distinctive characteristics and specific origin in Thrace, northeastern Greece.
Dimitra Alieos talks to Vasilis Zampounis about the strong and weaker aspects regarding the place of Greek olive oil in the international market
An in-depth, informative article based on an interview with an international expert. It includes worldwide production estimates for the 2019/20 crop year.
Olive Oil is Key to Promoting Plant-Forward Diets, Report Says
Daniel Dawson writes that the Culinary Institute of America and International Olive Council "believe that increasing olive oil consumption is a complementary goal to promoting a shift toward plant-forward cooking," which could help fight climate change.
Researchers Isolate EVOO Component With Potential Antihypertensive Properties
"Researchers from the Department of Pharmacognosy of Athens University in Greece, have managed to detect and isolate a constituent of extra virgin olive oil that could act against high blood pressure."
14 Greek Olive Varieties to Be State Certified
"The certification process for 14 varieties of olive is underway at the state-run Olive Tree Institute of ELGO Demetra based in Chania, a development that Greek Nurseries are watching with great interest but also caution as it could satisfy their long-standing demand for certified propagating material."
Man With Prostate Cancer Placing His Beliefs on Power of Olive Oil
Interested for years in "the health benefits of phenolic compounds in olive oil, ... [Athan] Gadanidis had told Dr. Magiatis that they needed a human subject to test the benefits of olive oil in treating prostate cancer. Ironically, he would be that subject himself."
A New ‘Greek Mark’ for Olives and Olive Oil
"Seven companies in Greece that produce table olives and extra virgin and virgin olive oil were the first in the country to display a 'Greek Mark' on their labeling, part of a project to distinguish Greek products in foreign markets."
Olive oil’s health benefits explored at Yale School of Public Health symposium
This is an interesting summary of many of the topics covered at the recent conference at Yale School of Public Health, which convened a committee to plan a new olive institute at this prestigious American university.
Greek Professor, Team Invent Mini Olive-Oil Mill, Quality Tester
A Greek professor’s invention helps olive farmers decide the best time to harvest their olives to optimize the health benefits and quantity of their olive oil.
New Project in Greece Aims to Decrypt Domestic Olive Cultivars
As Olive Oil Times reports, "Greece seeks to analyze the genome of olives to safekeep its cultivars and make better products."
Appreciating olive oil can start at any age, the younger, the better
Alice Alech writes, "Learning to appreciate olive oil at an early age is an advantage to young adults; it puts them on the right path towards a healthy lifestyle later on.... Research carried out in Greece on 190 high school students show that teenagers once they are made aware of the sensory properties, and the analysis of extra virgin olive oil can distinguish between extra virgin olive oil and defective oil. The results also showed that the young adults aged between 13 and 15 years old were able to recognize rancid and muddy sediment in olive oil." (November 28, 2016)
Sustainable Olive Oil Production Can Help Mitigate Climate Change
"The International Olive Council attended the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) to present research on sustainable olive oil production." (November 18, 2016)
New Method for Identifying Olive Cultivars
The identification of olive cultivars according to the appearance of leaves and fruit is expected to serve as the basis for a phone app and contributions to a new international olive tree database. (November 4, 2016)
Fight on to save Med diet from extinction
“[G]lobal experts warn the Mediterranean diet, prized for its health benefits, is losing so much ground to the fast food culture that the decline may be irreversible.” (July 11, 2016)

News